Harriers sign Hendrie

Last week I was fortunate enough to interview a former Harriers legend - Jon Purdie. It was great to finally meet the man who fired the team to victory over Birmingham City during that historic FA Cup run back in 1994.

Jon was also part of the side that won the Conference title that same year but was cruelly denied promotion to the Football League because the ground didn’t meet tightened fire regulations following the Bradford City fire disaster.

We spoke about all things past and present. It was brilliant to get a player’s insight in to the world of football. He spoke fondly about his time at Aggborough and revealed nothing but admiration for former boss Graham Allner.

It was a privilege to sit and discuss our beautiful game with someone who has first hand experience of the sport. We discussed the Non-League arena at length and it was clear just how much he enjoyed his time at this level.

The interview with Jon will be in an upcoming edition of the Harrier, so keep a look out!

Earlier this week, I randomly bumped into Harriers goalkeeper Danny Lewis whilst out and about.

I’d never met him before but Danny struck me as a very positive guy. He told me about all the rehabilitation work that he has to do following his knee injury and also chatted about matters on the pitch.

We spoke at length about last week’s victory over Tamworth and the fixtures coming up in the months ahead. He said he cannot wait to start playing again but knows that it will take time before he can do so. I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone when wishing Danny a speedy recovery.

Speaking of the match last Saturday, it certainly was a valuable and much needed three-points. A win and a clean sheet is always the perfect combination and it keeps the team in contention with those sides that currently occupy the play-off places.

If you can string a good run of results together in this league then you quickly begin to climb the table. It really is that close.

The recent addition of Lee Hendrie to the squad will certainly aid the club’s bid for promotion. It is a massive signing and a major coup for boss Steve Burr.

The 34-year-old brings with him some much-needed experience that could be crucial in determining where the Harriers finish this season.

I remember watching the former Aston Villa man on Match of the Day when I was younger and he always stood out as a solid player with all round ability in the middle of the park. I even signed him on Football Manager a couple of times!

It is a very significant signing for the club. I read somewhere that Hendrie will become the first capped England international to wear the Harriers shirt since West Bromwich Albion old boy Jesse Pennington a century ago.

Striker Gerry Hitchens, who I did a piece on earlier in the season, went on to play for England after leaving the club. As did goalkeeper Ben Foster, who was on loan from Stoke City at the time.

Hopefully the arrival of Hendrie will serve as a timely boost. The festive period is always a busy time in the football calendar and can often be make or break for a number of clubs.

The trip to Hayes & Yeading this weekend marks the start to a crucial part of the season. COYR!

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